As political giving mounted, lawmakers backed mental health center

By: Michelle Crouch, NC Health News

Outlets: North Carolina Newsline

Published: July 30, 2026

Words: 1,678

Last Updated: 4 days, 4 hours ago

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This story was co-published by NC Health News and The Charlotte Ledger.

In 2020, Charlotte businessman Michael Estramonte set out to build a nonprofit treatment center to create more space for kids in mental health crisis.

The idea quickly won support from state and local lawmakers. Since 2023, the Katie Blessing Center has secured more than $40 million in public money, including $35.2 million from the state.

Supporters say the project’s success reflects the state’s …

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